Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-04-29
How Many and What Industries
BY the Governor,
ORAMANDAL SMITH. Secretary of State

At this time, special efforts are being
made by the citizens of Maine to increase
the population and promote the prosperity
of our cities and villages, and a few
thoughts on the subject may not be mop
perfume. The various associations which
have recently been formed are carefully
considering methods and plans to be
adopted without retrospective glance at
the past to ascertain the reason why there
has not been growth and advancement.
The lack of public spirit is not the only
hindrance. Sufficient of this necessary
cause has been frequently exerted to en-
courage the location of one or two indu s.
tries in place and, satisfied with the bene
fetal results, no further efforts have been
extended. But by the ever changing
turns Of fortunes wheel or by the lack Of
demand for the product manufactured
or by the invasion of competition, this one
industry has yielded to the forces against
it and it has passed out of existence. And
with it, the prospects of tie village. 1t
Is decidedly unwise for those who have
the best interests OF the place in keeping
TO allow its welfare to depend on one
branch of trade or industry. Bath is a
bodybuilding city and that only. and the
financial depression that she has endured
during the past two years. should serve as
warning. Should Lewiston's cotton in
dustries receive check the prosperity of
that city would be destroyed.
In order to successfully establish the in
dustrial welfare of any place, it is absolute
ly necessary to encourage and maintain a
diversity of industries-not two varieties,
but as many as possible, 80 that, when
from any cause, there should be discon
tinuance OF one, there would remain the
others to afford employment to the labor
ers who have become resident there; and
here it may be we'll to add that each in
dustry established should be made per-
msnent. No city or village ever grew by
the establishment of transitory industries.
A relapse Is sure to follow and its condi
tior rendered worse in the effect upon
business life than il there had not been any
such mushroom prosperity. A permanent
variety is what is wanted not an increase of
the same kind unless per chance, that kind
Is not subject to adverse contingencies.
There should also be taken into account
the nature of the industries in surrounding
towns and cities that are mutually depend
ent, that the new industry may not be
broughtin sharp and unpleasant competi-
ton II possible. have the new products
marketable among the neighboring towns
and permit the consumption of theirs. The
financial prosperity of both industries and
the welfare of both villages will thus be
better assured. For if business affords
considerable gains at first the mistake Of
the past should not be repeated. since it
cannot continue its abundant yield when
the many have rushed into it and competi-
ton has begun. 1t is frequently said that
competition is the life of trade but it is the
death of wages. And the only way in which
villages and cities can be peopled with
the better class Of laborers is to warrant
them fair and constant wages.
1t may be we'll to note another error
which may be committed in the choice of
industries 1t is the ambition frequently
of villages but more often of cities, to en-
courage the establishment of large con-
cerns in preference to smaller ones. When
large manufactures are gained, the capital
employed is chiefly owned by the residents
OF other cities and the profits are carried
away from the place of the business loca
ton, but when small Ter industries are insti-
tut ed there is greater liability of receiv-
ing the benefit of the profits flor the owners
of tn capi,alwill locate and expend their
gains in real estate and residences, becom-
ing citizens and working for the interests
OF the city or village with whose welfare
their interests are closely concerned. and
residents themselves who have small cap
ital. will be the better enabled to invest.
The pecuniary benefit to be derived